Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to meet Quebec counterpart on energy, trade and provincial autonomy

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to meet with Quebec officials this week as discussions continue on energy development, trade, investment and provincial autonomy.

Meetings planned for Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to include talks with Quebec Economic Development Minister Christine Fréchette and other provincial representatives. According to Smith's office, the discussions will focus on strengthening economic ties between provinces and exploring opportunities for greater interprovincial cooperation.

Smith said Quebec may revisit discussions about developing its natural gas resources as part of broader efforts to improve energy self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports from the United States. She has also argued that expanded energy development could create opportunities for exports to international markets, including Europe.

The Alberta premier has previously called for provinces with significant natural resource potential to expand development in order to strengthen their fiscal capacity. The federal equalization program provides payments to provinces with lower fiscal capacity, including Quebec, Manitoba and several Atlantic provinces, to help support comparable public services across Canada.

During the visit, Smith is also expected to meet with representatives from major Quebec-based companies and industry associations to discuss investment and economic development opportunities.